Georgian College

14 GeorgianCollege.ca CONFLICT OF INTEREST Colleges, as part of the broader public sector, are subject to a greater level of public scrutiny than many other organizations. The public's perception of colleges is important and its trust and confidence in them can only be sustained if all forms of conflict of interest are identified, disclosed and resolved. Advisory committee members are expected to arrange their private matters and conduct themselves in a manner that avoids a conflict of interest. Where an advisory committee member has an interest in college business involving potential monetary or non-monetary effect that may compete with or supersede the duties and responsibilities of the member, a conflict of interest must be declared – be it real, potential or perceived. This would include any access to and the direct gain or indirect benefit that might accrue from "inside" or confidential information. The Chair of the advisory committee would then, in his/her sole discretion, rule on the declaration as to the member's participation in specific meetings, debate, voting, etc. The Chair's decision will be final. In the event the Chair has a conflict, the committee will rule on the declaration in consultation with the dean. Members of advisory committees are permitted to carry out business with the college that is controlled by college procedures to ensure openness, competitive opportunity and equal access to information. This guideline is provided to protect, in a preventative fashion, both the college and members of advisory committees. It will also ensure that Georgian is able to attract qualified advisory committee members to assist in providing input to the college.

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